We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Pilar Aguilera. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Pilar below.

Pilar, appreciate you joining us today. undefined

In my career, I’ve taken a path that is uniquely my own, driven by a deep commitment to self-investment and continuous learning. While attending numerous hair education classes, volunteering, and meeting my industry heroes, I realized that true value in my work comes from within—it’s the value I assign to myself that matters most. My journey has been innovative in that I didn’t simply follow the conventional routes; instead, I learned from observing others, identifying what not to do, and ultimately creating my own opportunities. This approach has allowed me to build a career that is not only fulfilling but also a reflection of my personal vision and creativity. Ultimately being the change in the world, I had wished to see and be.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a multi-faceted professional in the beauty and event industry, with a passion for transforming lives and creating memorable experiences. I graduated from Penrose Academy in Scottsdale, Arizona, in May 2014, and began my career in a high-end salon. When the salon closed down within a year and a half, I quickly transitioned into entrepreneurship, and I’ve been successfully running my own salon business ever since.

Specializations:
In the early years of my career, I specialized in hair color, becoming an educator and color specialist. I’m also a certified makeup artist with Motives Cosmetics, which has allowed me to expand my services and offer comprehensive beauty experiences. My work has taken me across various locations where I’ve taught bilingual classes and provided independent education, though I eventually discovered that my true joy lies in educating my clients directly in the chair.

Event Creation and Direction:
This realization led me to create and host my own events, where I combine all aspects of my expertise to offer a complete, personalized experience. Whether you’re an aspiring model or simply looking for a unique day of pampering, my events provide everything from hair and makeup to professional photography and a four-course meal. I’m deeply connected to the art industry and love bringing people together, teaching them how to pose, walk, and express their best selves.

Additional Roles:
Beyond my salon and event work, I provide wedding and event hair, bridal makeup, and iPhone photography services. I also direct photo shoots and events, ensuring every detail is meticulously crafted to exceed expectations.

Passion:
What drives me in all these roles is the ability to make a real difference in people’s lives—whether it’s through something as simple as a haircut that changes their outlook or helping them see themselves in a new, empowering way. I’m dedicated to creating, sharing, and celebrating beauty in all its forms, and I absolutely love every aspect of what I do.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One of the most defining moments of resilience in my career came when I decided to actively seek out and connect with my industry heroes—those I admired and learned from online. I made it a point to introduce myself and get involved whenever I could. However, this journey also exposed me to the less glamorous side of the industry.

I vividly remember an experience where I was assisting one of the most popular hairdressers, someone I deeply admired. As I expressed how much she inspired me and my desire to reach her level, she looked me in the eye and told me I would never achieve what she had. Despite my efforts to humbly acknowledge the hard work it takes and show my appreciation for the opportunity, she laughed in my face while I worked on the model’s hair, insisting it would never happen for me.

In another instance, a color director, much older and experienced, blacklisted me and spoke poorly of me simply because I stood firm on a certain subject. It was disheartening to see people I looked up to treating me this way.
The crazy part is, this was just in my first few years of being a licensed cosmetologist. I would like to say it got better from there, but it didn’t. I dealt with some pretty mean people, jealousy, and the list goes on.

But these experiences, as difficult as they were, never stopped me. I kept going, driven by my passion and determination. I refused to let negativity define my path or diminish my goals. Instead, I used those moments as fuel to keep pushing forward, growing, and proving to myself that I could achieve what I set out to do.

Have you ever had to pivot?

This experience was a pivotal moment in my career. It wasn’t just in hairdressing; across various fields, including photography and makeup, I found myself severely let down by the ignorance, ego, pride, and perhaps even jealousy of people I once admired. I was constantly being told how I should be, what would sell, and what wouldn’t. But when I decided to listen to my own voice and pursue what I personally found beautiful, everything changed.

It was truly a game-changer because I began to attract the people who were meant for me, those who resonated with my vision. I learned that comparison, while it can be a source of inspiration, can also be destructive if it leads you away from your true self. At the end of the day, staying in your own lane is crucial—it’s your journey, after all.

I also realized that the journey itself is far more valuable than the destination. The experiences, the memories, and the growth that occur along the way are what truly shape who you are. These moments will stay with me forever, molding me into the person I continue to become.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misspilarbeauty
• Facebook: MissPilar